USPS halts plans to close Richmond Main Post Office

In a surprise announcement Monday, local elected officials say the Richmond Main Post Office at 1025 Nevin Ave. will remain open and operational — after the U.S. Postal Service announced it has halted efforts to sell the facility and relocate retail operations.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), who has been working to keep the central post office open, made the announcement in a statement day. The report was confirmed by Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, who in his e-forum newsletter shared a letter from Federal Preservation Officer Daniel Delahaye to State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco stating that USPS analyzed “changing marketing conditions” and decided not to pursue “potential disposal of this property at this time.”

The U.S. Postal Service’s decision last year to close the facility drew significant community opposition, including from those who rely on its central location. USPS had planned to relocate retail operations to 2100 Chanslor Ave., known as the McVittie Detached Delivery Unit.

The change-of-heart decision to keep the post office open followed multiple meetings with postal administrators, community members and the U.S. Postmaster General, DeSaulnier said in the statement.

DeSaulnier has also worked with Mayor Butt and Richmond staff to explore the purchase of the Post Office to keep it in public use.

Now that it will stay open, DeSaulnier said he will continue efforts to rename the post office after Harold D. McCraw, Sr., a distinguished, dedicated civil servant who worked in the Richmond Post Office for 45 years.

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